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Cevimeline
HCl
Another
parasympathomimetic agent, cevimeline HCl, has also been studied
in large, well-controlled trials (Fife
et al., 2002; Petrone
et al., 2002). At doses of 30 mg three times daily, cevimeline
was shown to significantly improve symptoms of dry mouth and increase
salivary output in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. Cevimeline
has a similar pharmacological profile to pilocarpine, although
the onset of increased salivation may be somewhat later and the
duration of action longer. The safety and adverse event profiles
are very similar to pilocarpine, as well, with sweating and nausea
common complaints among patients. This drug is currently being
evaluated in clinical trials for use in post-radiation xerostomia.
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